Substantial urinary concentrations of material resembling beta-core fragment of chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit in mid-menstrual cycle.

We measured the day-to-day variations in concentrations of beta-core, luteinizing hormone (LH), and alpha-subunit in urine during the menstrual cycle. The alpha-subunit concentrations showed a pattern similar to that of the LH concentrations. beta-Core-like material was increased during and up to 3 to 4 days after the surge in urine LH. The urine LH concentration was associated with the presence of beta-core immunoreactivity during the urine LH peak. Chromatography showed that, at the peak LH concentration and at 2 days after the LH peak, beta-core immunoreactivity could be accounted for by the presence of a peptide of low molecular mass similar to the beta-core molecule of hCG, but probably originating from the degradation of LH. The prolonged excretion of gonadotropin metabolites in the midcycle must be considered when beta-core is being assessed as a tumor marker.